Pet Flipping. In the News

In the news this week..a new way to beat a faltering economy..."pet flipping."

Remember the days when it was widely publicized that people were robbing trains, hit and run insurance fraud, and using arson to make a little spare change? Well, today in the animal world 'pet flipping' is the latest scam.

How is it done?

Your pet is simply stolen and then sold on Craigs List, or you get a phone call from some seemingly concerned citizen who "found" your pet and is now wiling to return it for a reward.

Sad, horrible, shameful, and despicable.

What can you do to keep your pet safe?

1. Never let them out of your sight.

2. Keep them leashed at all times.

3. Micro-chip your pet.

4. Keep a collar, tags, and identification on the.

What should you do if your pet goes missing?

1. Start searching every shelter.

2. Start monitoring Craigs List listings. 

3. Call your microchip manufacturer to report your pet missing.

4. Hang flyers everywhere

5. Notify all of the local veterinary clinics.

6. Report your pet as stolen on Craigs List

Why is a microchip so vital?

Well, simply it is the safest and most effective way to get your pet back to you. Not only that, but, if your pet is microchipped and if it goes missing the microchip can be used as the foundation for criminal charges. A microchipped pet that goes missing and is in another persons possession is considered stolen property.

If you are interested in microchipping your pet please see your veterinarian. If you are in the Jarrettsville MD area stop by Jarrettsville Vet, we microchip with every examination for FREE!

Pet Flipping

In 2011, with the down turn in the economy, puppy-napping went up by 40%.

Today I read another artivcle about puppy-flipping.

Indianapolis-area resident Elizabeth Arroyo got her lost dog Raiden back after seeing him advertised for sale on Craigslist, one of three apparent cases of criminals seeking to "flip" lost or stolen pets in a recent week, says Danielle Beck, who runs a website for owners of lost pets. Authorities say microchipping pets and keeping registry information up-to-date may be the best way to protect them from flippers by proving ownership.

View Full Article; Pet flipping

I know, it seems unreal..unreal that in this world you have to worry, protect, and live in fear that your puppy will be stolen. To think that evil lurks in every corner of the world, and that it can strike the most innocent. it is appalling.

Here is the advice I give 

If you adopt a new puppy get them to the vet within the forst three days, bring poop (check a fecal ASAP, I don't care what a breeder, rescuer, shelter says pets come with worms, they are part of the adoption package. Expect it, and don't be upset about it). 

At our clinic we give microchips away with an examination to every pet. We do this because we think it is important. Microchips can, and do, save lives.

To read more about this please see my other blog on the subject.

If you have any pet related questions you can find me, and a whole bunch of super helpful pet lovers at Pawbly. Or on Twitter @FreePetAdvice, or @pawbly.